Journey through the Brain

<p>The brain is our most important organ and perhaps the least well</p> <p>understood. Our brain is the “command station” for our body. It controls</p> <p>what we think, what we feel and what we do. It is the home of our</p> <p>emotions and personality. It makes sense of our experiences.</p> <p>But how does the brain work? The truth is that, after decades of research,</p> <p>scientists and doctors are only now beginning to figure out that question.</p> <p>We know that different types of cells in the brain work together to form</p> <p>certain areas which have specialist roles in memory, vision and logical</p> <p>thinking. We also know that hormones and chemicals influence our brain</p> <p>and our emotions and that we are very sensitive to changes in their levels.</p> <p>We know that the different brain areas mature at different stages and are</p> <p>connected by tracts, rather like railway lines, which can sometimes go</p> <p>astray and lead to illnesses. And finally we know that by looking in the</p> <p>blood we can find clues, called biomarkers, which may ultimately help us</p> <p>to understand and predict brain disorders.</p> <p>Through this book we want to help everyone to understand the workings</p> <p>of the brain through pictures and cartoons. If you would like to learn</p> <p>more about these pictures go to our website rcsi.ie/brainjourney</p>